Applicator for particulate additives

ABSTRACT

A controls stage, a hopper stage, and a pneumatic stage are arranged to govern the movement of particulate additives from a hopper through a receptacle that communicates with a delivery tube with the particles exiting the delivery tube via an outlet and contacting products or commodities such as food products. Embodiments include those wherein the use of air flow through the delivery tube is responsible for ushering particulate additives out of the delivery tube, with or without a secondary air flow to facilitate movement of particulate additives into the delivery tube, and a notched disc controlling the opening and closing of a valve to allow or restrict particulates from passing, wherein the size and quantity of notches affects the frequency at which particulate additives move from the hopper into the delivery tube.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED U.S. APPLICATION

This patent application claims the benefit of priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/487,166, with a filing dateof Apr. 19, 2017, the contents of which are incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

Present embodiments relate to systems and apparatuses providing anapplicator for delivering probiotics or other particulate additives froma hopper to a commodity undergoing manufacturing or handling processes,such as but not limited to a food commodity.

BACKGROUND

Food is a commodity produced in a number of different steps inmanufacturing facilities. Some foods are made using a conveyor systemthat transports the food materials through a series of processing steps.A particular step in the production system may involve the addition ofparticulate additives to the food commodity. Such a step may occur atany point in the food commodity production steps, but commonly occursafter the solid food pieces have been formed so that particulateadditives are applied to the food. The production of many differenttypes of food can benefit from an improved delivery system for applyingparticulate additives, or, simply, particulates.

Generally, particulate additives are lightweight particles that can bemoved through air using an air-driven force, i.e., pneumatic. Variouskinds of probiotics are in the form of low-density particles that can bedriven along with pneumatic force. Other particulate additives includevarious nutrients, spices, preservatives, and other solid particulatesthat a food commodity producer may wish to apply on a surface of thefood.

Present embodiments are directed to a delivery system for applyingparticulate additives to a food commodity. A food commodity mightinclude, without limitation, human food, pet food, grain, wheat,vegetables, tea, spices, flavorings, peanuts, coffee beans, soybeans,and other agricultural products. Pharmaceutical products, consumerproducts, and health products like multivitamins and supplements arenon-limiting examples of other commodities.

Various delivery systems—manual and automatic—exist already. A commonlimitation for currently available delivery systems is the difficulty inregulating the amount of particulate additives applied to the foodcommodity. Generally, a given fan speed setting results in the sameamount of particulate additives being applied regardless every time themachine is used. Changing the fan speed setting to meet the particularneeds of a manufacturing process is a time-consuming endeavor marked bymuch trial and error. In a plant, fan speed changes create additionalinefficiencies when a line processes a variety of products, each havingunique manufacturing specifications. Instead of constantly setting newfan speeds, an option that provides greater flexibility and reliabilityis disclosed herein in which the rate at which the particulate additivesmove from the hopper is controlled.

A consistent and more efficient manner of applying particulate additiveswith a pneumatic system is needed. Greater flexibility is needed to beable to vary the quantities of particulate additives applied to a foodcommodity or other commodities at a given fan speed or range of fanspeeds. A system that allows a user to insert and remove pieces inrelation to the delivery system to achieve variation in the amount andspeed of application would provide significant benefits to the relevantindustries. Accordingly, a more efficient delivery system that bettermeets current needs is described herein.

SUMMARY

A feature of the present embodiments is to control the rate at whichparticulate additives are delivered to a food commodity or some othercommodity. The embodiments and alternatives set forth herein can bepracticed in an automatic mode or a manual mode. Automatic would beassociated with production cycles where the delivery of particulateadditives is done on a regular and recurrent at the same settings or atsettings which can be remotely adjusted. Manual would be associated withchanging the settings for each batch.

A further advantage allows the user to determine the frequency at whichthe particulate additives are applied to the food commodity. Generally,this application will occur at or near the end of a food commodityproduction cycle. Take, for example, the production of dog food inkibble form. A step that is sometimes employed for a food commodity,which occurs near the end of the production cycle, involves coating thefood with an oil-containing layer, for a taste similar to gravy. Oneexample of how to use the present embodiments would involve applying aprobiotic on the kibbles as they pass by the delivery system on aconveyor, prior to applying the oil-containing substance. In this way,the latter substance will bind the probiotic to the food kibbles.

To accomplish the delivery of the particulate additives, be itprobiotics or another type of particulate additive, a pneumatic systemforces the particulate additives from a delivery tube in fluidcommunication with a primary air line and onto the food commodity. Theparticulate additives are delivered from a hopper, which in someembodiments is arranged as an inverse pyramid to facilitate the movementof particulate additives toward the bottom of the hopper. Presentembodiments include those in which a primary air line, connected to afan with options to be set at constant or variable speed, blowsparticulate additives entering the delivery tube into the surroundingenvironment where the food commodity is being moved along a productionconveyor. The production conveyor passes close enough to the deliverytube outlet to allow the particulate additives to contact the foodcommodity. The fan speed is adjusted or otherwise set to provide enoughvelocity for the particulate additives to travel the necessary distancefrom delivery tube outlet to the food commodity on the line.

The primary air line provides the conveyance force needed to actuallydeliver the particulate additives from the body of the delivery tube,through the delivery tube outlet, and onto the food commodity.Additionally, some embodiments herein provide a secondary air line, witha different purpose than the first. The secondary air line interactswith a notched valve to provide volumetric control over the amount andrate of application of the particulate additives from the hopper. Insome embodiments, the valve is a thin, solid rotating disc with anirregularly-shaped rim forming its perimeter, with dimensions generallycorresponding with a sleeve that accepts the valve. In some embodiments,the irregular shape of the rim owes to the fact that the valve has anotch that is a full—or partial—thickness cutaway at the perimeter.Alternatively, the notch comprises an opening through the full thicknessof the valve that is surrounded on all sides by the rim. Alternatively,some embodiments forego a secondary air line because the delivery tubeis arranged with sufficient suction created from airflow to pullparticulate additives through openings in the valve structure. Onceparticulate additive enters the delivery tube, the particles encounterthe primary airflow and are ushered out of the delivery tube via thedelivery tube outlet, and onto a commodity passing in close proximity tothis outlet.

As will be explained in more detail below, the notch combined withairflow generated through the secondary line controls the flow ofparticulate additives from the hopper into a delivery tube connected tothe primary line. From the delivery tube, particulate additive is forcedout of a delivery tube outlet, and onto the food commodity. The size ofthe notch is a factor in determining the amount of particulate additivesmoved into the delivery tube. Moreover, in some embodiments, the valveis formed with a plurality of notches, each of which is positioned at aperipheral edge of the valve. The number of notches determines thefrequency at which particulate additives is moved through the valve, andthereby into the primary airflow for application to the food commodity.In some embodiments the fan that generates primary airflow through theprimary line also generates secondary airflow through the secondary airline.

Before particulate additives enter the delivery tube, they are placed ina hopper having an open space for storing a particular additive. In someembodiments, the hopper includes a hopper outlet for particulateadditives to move through, e.g., under gravity. As desired, agitation inthe hopper is provided such as by vibration or stirring to facilitatesuch movement in relation to the hopper outlet. The hopper outletcommunicates with a sleeve that the valve fits into. In someembodiments, the sleeve is cylindrical with a circular cross-section,and the valve can be substantially circular except for its notch 68formed therein. Alternatively, the valve can have other cross-sectionsto match the sleeve that it fits into, for example without limitationsquare, rectangular, hexagonal, and so forth.

In terms of spatial arrangement, one could consider an hour glass, withsands falling from a top section through a narrowed throat, and into abottom section. The hopper described herein would be positioned like thetop section, and the delivery tube through which primary airflow travelswould be like the bottom section. Using the hourglass illustration, ifone were to place a solid object into the throat, it would impede thesand from moving from top section to bottom section. If the solid objectfit the dimension of the throat entirely, it would stop all suchmovement. If the solid object had a notch cutaway from it, however, thiswould limit the amount of sand moving from top section to bottom, butwould not stop all such movement. In the present embodiments, the valvehaving a notch limits the amount of particulate additives moving fromthe hopper to the primary line, but allows some to pass through.

Accordingly, particulate additives move from the hopper onto a surfaceof the valve that acts as a partial impediment to particulate additivesmoving into the delivery tube. Furthermore, if two notches of equal areawere formed on the valve, the rate would double at which particulateadditives move from the hopper into the primary line, and with the threenotches such rate would triple. The number of notches is non-limiting ofthe scope of embodiments, but provides an illustration for differentvalve configurations that will help control rate of application.Further, in some embodiments, the notched valve is inserted readily intoand removed from the sleeve. In this way, different valve configurationscan be used, providing flexibility for various needs and situationsaccording to the weight, size and density of particulate additives, thepercentage weight of particulate additives to be applied to the foodcommodity, and the speed of the production conveyor passing by thedelivery tube outlet.

The secondary airflow functions in relation to the notched valve to moveparticulate additives into the delivery tube. From the delivery tube,the particulate additives move, under the force of primary airflow, outof the delivery tube via the delivery tube outlet. In some embodiments,the primary air line has a junction with the secondary line, and thecross-section of the primary air line tapers and becomes increasinglynarrow upstream of this junction. Such a configuration results in aVenturi effect to increase the velocity of the primary airflow coming incontact with particulate additives that are entering the primaryairflow, thus increasing the force urging the particulate additives outof the delivery tube via the delivery tube outlet.

As described in more detail below, the flexibility for the presentembodiments is achieved with use of a standard hopper holdingparticulate additives with or without agitation. Particulate additivesare urged out of the hopper, which can be under the force of gravity, orcan be accomplished under pneumatic influence with blowers or suction.Particulate additives proceed from the hopper into a sleeve having anotched valve inserted therein that controls their passage through thesleeve. Inside the sleeve, a secondary airflow facilitates the movementof particulate additives through the notch opening in the valve andmoving through a junction out of the secondary airflow and into aprimary airflow. Once exposed to primary airflow, the particulateadditives exit the delivery tube under force of primary airflow and viaa delivery tube outlet where they contact the food commodity passing ona conveyor or similar component of a manufacturing system. Although afood commodity has been discussed in relation to present embodiments,such delivery systems can also be used for other production systemswhere a particulate additive is applied to an edible or non-edibleobject.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The drawings, schematics, figures, and descriptions contained in thisapplication are to be understood as illustrative of steps, structures,features and aspects of the present embodiments. Accordingly, the scopeof embodiments is not limited to features, dimensions, scales, andarrangements shown in the figures.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an applicator for deliveringparticulate additives, according to multiple embodiments andalternatives.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an applicator for deliveringparticulate additives, according to multiple embodiments andalternatives.

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a notched valve for an applicator asshown in FIG. 2A, according to multiple embodiments.

FIG. 3A is a cutaway view of the hopper and structures providingmovement of particulate additives within the hopper, for an applicatorfor delivering particulate additives, according to multiple embodimentsand alternatives.

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the structures shown in FIG. 3Ataken along line A-A as shown in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a junction connector as part of thepneumatic stage for an applicator for delivering particulate additives,according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.

FIG. 5A is an exploded view of components associated with the junctionconnector of FIG. 4, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of an alternative form of one of thecomponents shown in FIG. 5A, according to multiple embodiments andalternatives.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an applicator for delivering particulateadditives, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.

FIG. 7 is a top elevation view of part of an applicator for deliveringparticulate additives, namely the base of a receptacle connected to adelivery tube, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.

FIG. 8A is a plan view of a disc used as part of an applicator fordelivering particulate additives, according to multiple embodiments andalternatives.

FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the disc of FIG. 8A fitted with thebase of FIG. 7 as part of an applicator for delivering particulateadditives, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.

FIG. 9 is a particulate guide used in an applicator for deliveringparticulate additives, according to multiple embodiments andalternatives.

FIG. 10A is a top elevation view of part of an applicator for deliveringparticulate additives, namely the basin of a receptacle that receivesparticulate additives from a hopper as shown in FIG. 6, according tomultiple embodiments and alternatives.

FIG. 10B is a top elevation view of part of an applicator for deliveringparticulate additives, according to multiple embodiments andalternatives.

MULTIPLE EMBODIMENTS AND ALTERNATIVES

Embodiments of the present disclosure include an applicator fordelivering particulate additives from a hopper to a food commodity orother commodity undergoing production. Such an applicator includes ahopper, a primary air line through which primary airflow travels, and adelivery tube receiving the primary airflow. The delivery tube receivesthe primary airflow. Particulate additives enter the delivery tube fromthe hopper via a valve positioned therebetween, as further describedbelow. The delivery tube has a delivery tube outlet through which theprimary airflow passes in leaving the delivery tube and entering anenvironment surrounding the applicator. It is within such surroundingenvironment that a commodity passes nearby the applicator, andparticulate additives then contact the commodity under the force of theprimary airflow exiting the delivery tube. Embodiments also includethose having a secondary air line communicating with the aforementionedvalve. The secondary air line receives secondary airflow which urgesparticulate additive from the hopper to pass through the valve and intothe delivery tube, such that particulate additives encounter the primaryairflow and is ushered out of the delivery tube via the delivery tubeoutlet.

Accordingly, in some embodiments, particulate additives are applied to afood commodity under a combination of agitation, gravity, and pneumaticforce in moving from a storage container where the particles are held,(i.e., hopper), through a sleeve that allows the particulate additivesto pass through and controls the rate at which particulate additive isadded to the delivery tube, and ultimately into primary airflowtraveling through a delivery tube before exiting via a delivery tubeoutlet.

FIG. 1 and FIG. 2A depict the main features of such an applicatoraccording to an embodiment. Three aspects of such an applicator are acontrols stage, a hopper stage, and a pneumatic stage. The controlsstage includes a fan as a source of primary airflow 8 that ushers theparticulate additives out of the delivery tube. The controls stageincludes pressure transducer 12 in fluid communication with secondaryairflow 10 and reader 31 that registers the air pressure in secondaryair line 30 delivering the secondary air flow and urging the particulateadditives out of the sleeve, and converts the air pressure to a digitalvalue shown on the reader. In some embodiments, fan 42 providessecondary airflow 10 through secondary air line 30 (the direction ofwhich is indicated by an arrow). Through a hollow portion 21 of sleeve20 (FIG. 5A), particulate additives move into delivery tube 22 whereprimary airflow 8 carries the particulate additives through deliverytube outlet 25 and into contact with the food commodity.

In some embodiments, primary air line 28 and secondary air line 30 areseparate from each other and have different origins and termini. Fan 42is the source of primary airflow through primary air line 28, whichflows into delivery tube 22 at the point where it connects to theprimary air line at joint 26. In some embodiments, primary air line 28,and secondary air line 30, both are configured to receive airflowgenerated by fan 42. The connections in the piping can be supplied bystandard connectors known in the art. Optionally, the advantage ofincreased flow rate through a Venturi effect can be provided by reducingthe diameter of delivery tube 22 at a constricted region 29 (FIG. 3A)beginning upstream of sleeve 20. The constricted region is marked by thediameter of the tube being reduced relative to other regions of thedelivery tube, and particularly regions downstream of the constrictedregion, and this constriction results in a reduced air pressure upstreamof where particulate additives enter the delivery tube and primaryairflow. This reduced air pressure results in a compensatory increase inthe rate of primary airflow traveling through the delivery tube.Generally, the fan speed is used as well to determine the distanceparticulate additives travel upon exiting applicator 5 via delivery tubeoutlet 25. In this way, the applicator is positioned with the deliverytube outlet proximal to part of a production line which can be aconveyor (not shown) for transferring commodities, so particulateadditives exiting via the delivery tube outlet 25 will contact thecommodities.

Further, sleeve 20 (e.g., see FIG. 1A, FIG. 3A, FIG. 4) is part of thepneumatic stage that communicates with secondary air line 30 to receivesecondary airflow 10 via sleeve inlet 35. Sleeve inlet 35 generally ispositioned at the same level as valve 65. Accordingly, the secondaryairflow passing through inlet 35 contacts valve 65. Whenever a notch 68of valve 65 aligns itself with sleeve inlet 35, the incoming airflow 10forces particulate additives through the notch 65, urging theparticulate additives through the hollow portion 21 of sleeve 20, andinto delivery tube 22. In some embodiments, sleeve 20 is formed as partof the junction connector 40 and exists at what would be denoted as neckregion 38 of junction connector 40. Alternatively, the sleeve isseparate and connects to the junction connector by conventionalconnectors as known in the art.

FIG. 2A shows other structures of an applicator according to presentembodiments. In some embodiments, fan 42 is located in control cabinet45. In some embodiments, user interface 55 is positioned on a cabinetdoor 46 (i.e., user interface is accessed from the front of the cabinetdoor while FIG. 2A shows the door in the open position and thus thebackside of the user interface is seen.) Fan 42 is connected to airconduit 48 that pulls air from the surrounding environment, and forcesthis air into primary air line 28 providing primary airflow 8. In FIG. 1and FIG. 3A, a block arrow is used to indicate the direction of primaryairflow. In some embodiments, a multi-speed fan is used having two ormore constant settings, or this can be a variable speed fan. Generally,fan 42 can be any conventional piece of equipment producing an airflow,such as by the movement of one or more blades operating to producetorque output through rotation caused by the force of an electric motoror pump. In some embodiments, fan 42 is controlled with standardelectronics and programming responsive to commands entered through auser interface 55. A suitable fan for these purposes is a BBA14-11Series—Brushless DC Blower (120 volt AC input, multistage bypass)offered by Northland Motor Technologies, Watertown, N.Y., USA. Suitablefor at least one or more purposes described herein, such as applicationof probiotic particulate on pet food moving on a conveyor in proximity(e.g., 6″-24″) to applicator 5, would be a BBA14-112HEB model having a1.75 in. (44.5 mm) outer diameter air inlet, and capable of pulling avacuum of up to around 118 mBar at a maximum pressure up to about 130mBar.

FIG. 2A, and FIGS. 3A and 3B also illustrate hopper 52 which is astandard receptacle with an open area 51 for holding particulateadditives 54. As desired, a hopper door with handle 53 provides accessto the interior of the hopper. Hopper 52 further has hopper opening 60proximal to its bottom-most point. Opening 60 communicates with theaforementioned sleeve, which in FIG. 2A and FIG. 4 is shown as a neckregion 38 of junction connector 40. As discussed with FIG. 4A, 4B andFIG. 5, sleeve 20 has additional structures that govern the movement ofparticulate additives into the primary airflow, which suction created byair flowing in the delivery tube and communicating with the sleevecontributes to. According to the embodiments described herein, a rate ofparticulate additives moving into the delivery tube and being exposed toprimary airflow influences the rate of application of particulateadditives to a commodity. Additionally, an adjustable setting for fan 42influences the rate at which particulate additives are delivered. Suchadjustments to fan 42 are among factors that determine where deliverytube outlet 25 should be positioned relative to the food manufacturingline, depending on how far a user needs to blow the particulateadditives out of the delivery tube to contact the food commodity underproduction.

In some embodiments, applicator 5 employs user interface 55 to inputprimary airflow settings from the fan and secondary airflow for movingparticulate additives out of the sleeve and into the delivery tube. Asdesired, user interface 55 is programmed to present one or moremenu-type pages for a user to control fan speed supplying air to theprimary airflow. In some embodiments, user interface 55 is a touchscreenthat is connected electrically to other system components, such as fan42, via cables and wires (not labeled) or wirelessly using conventionaltechniques. Likewise, as discussed herein, as valve 65 turns, atintervals notch 68 (either one notch or multiple notches) comes intoalignment with the path of secondary airflow 10, which airflow causesthe particulate additives to be blown into primary air line 28. The userinterface 55 provides options to the user to set the valve speed toadjust the turning of valve 65 within sleeve 20, in turn determining thefrequency at which notch 68 aligns with secondary airflow. Userinterface settings can be provided for both manual operation/adjustmentand automatic setting of fan speed, valve position and turning, and/oragitation. In some embodiments, valve 65 is turned by an electric motorthat rotates a gear 64 to transmit a turning force upon valve 65, e.g.,a gear having teeth which mesh with a complementary toothed part (notshown) of the valve.

Accordingly the speed of rotating valve 65 is one way to control thefrequency and amount of particulate additives moving into primaryairflow 8. In some embodiments, valve 65 is formed with an orifice 70 inits surface apart from the notch, which is either partially or fullythrough its thickness. Orifice 70 matably receives a portion of rotatingmember 58, the latter being responsive to the turning of valve 65 sothat it rotates in response to the rotation of the valve. In someembodiments, this responsiveness is due to the cross-sectional geometryof the inner opening surface of orifice 70 corresponding with an outerprofile of at least a portion of rotating member 58. A turning fork asbest seen in FIG. 4 has two shaft-like prongs in a wish-boneconfiguration and is a type of rotating member, but other configurationsand types of rotating members could be used as well. For example, astructural member having a length and an outer profile in the form of asingle vertical shaft that fits through orifice 70, has a profile of itsouter diameter shape that corresponds to the cross-sectional geometry ofthe inner opening surface of orifice 70, and consequently turns inresponse to the rotation of valve 65 also is a rotating member, whichcould be substituted for turning fork as illustrated in the figures.

In some embodiments user interface 55 is connected to program logic(i.e., executable machine-readable instructions such as control softwareinvolved in transmitting and receiving inputs and outputs) that controlsthe rate of turning of fork 58, the speed of fan 42 supplying primaryair flow to primary and secondary air lines 28, 30, respectively.Conventional electronics control the fan 42, primary airflow 8, pressuretransducer 12, and secondary airflow 10. In some embodiments,conventional circuit boards and microprocessors (not shown) are usedwith the control software to govern the movements of rotating member 58as well as the timing, force, and delivery of airflow involved inapplying the particulate additives to a commodity moving past thedelivery tube. In an example operation, a flowrate of about 60 cubicfeet per minute at a pressure of 20 inches H₂O is sufficient to drawparticulate probiotics from a hopper through the applicator system andonto bulk products passing in proximity to delivery tube outlet 25.

In some of the accompanying drawing figures, rotating member 58 is shownas a turning fork, with a first prong 57 and a second prong 59. Anadvantage to a turning fork is that its first prong 57 engages valve 65valve to cause it to rotate, while its second prong 59 moves under thesame turning impulse, yet remains in the open area 51 of hopper 60providing gentle agitation of particulate additives. This facilitatesthe flow of particulate additives into sleeve 20 and then into theprimary airflow 8, and it biases the movement of older material in thehopper into the sleeve before material that was placed in the hoppermore recently.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view providing further illustration of hopper52, with FIG. 3B providing a cross-sectional view of the structuresshown in FIG. 3A taken along line A-A as shown in FIG. 3A. Hopper sensoropening 62 is shown distal to hopper opening 60. Sensor 62 can be a vanethat registers pressure or weight placed upon its surface to indicate ifthe amount of particulate additives in the hopper has fallen below thelevel of the sensor. If so, an alert is provided by means of an alarm.More proximal to hopper opening 60, FIG. 3B and FIG. 4 show rotatingmember 58 as a turning fork with one of its prongs moving particulateadditives within open area 51 of hopper 52. As valve 65 rotates becauseof first prong 57 as described in the preceding paragraph, most of theparticulate additives entering sleeve 20 will rest on a top surface ofthe valve. However, some of the particulate additives will fall orotherwise move into the space formed by the cutout of the notch. In someembodiments, sleeve 20, valve 65, and notch 68 are configured so thatnotch 68 aligns with secondary airflow at intervals, such that secondaryairflow blows the particulate additives through the sleeve and intoprimary airflow 8.

Accordingly, valve 65 provides fluid communication between hopper 52 anddelivery tube 22, wherein in some embodiments valve 65 fits insidesleeve 20 with the perimeter of valve 65 corresponding substantially tothe inner dimension of the sleeve. Substantially in this sense refers tothe notch 68 gives an irregular shape to the valve that might notcorrespond entirely with the sleeve inner dimension. This notch providesa space for particulate additive to collect where it can be blown out ofthe notch, such that valve 65 allows particulate additive to passthrough sleeve 20 so it can enter delivery tube 22. As particulateadditive exits sleeve 20 through valve 65, it encounters primary airflow8 which is moving through delivery tube 22. Consequently, the number ofnotches and the speed of rotation of the valve are substantial factorsin the rate of movement of particulate additives from the hopper andinto the primary airflow. The more times particulate additives enter aspace defined by a notch, the larger the quantity of these additiveswill enter into the delivery tube.

As FIG. 4 and FIG. 5A further illustrate, in some embodiments junctionconnector 40 includes part of a conduit by which primary airflow travelsin the form of delivery tube 22. It is through the delivery tube thatparticulate additives travel from hopper 52 and enter the primaryairflow before exiting via delivery tube outlet 25. FIG. 4 offers aperspective view of such a junction connector with related structures inplace. FIG. 5A offers an exploded view of the sleeve, located in aportion of the junction connector known as the neck, along with valve65, shoulder 75, and rotating member 58.

In earlier paragraphs, the relationship of a turning fork and a valvewas described in which a prong of the turning fork matably inserts intoan opening in the valve so the valve rotates as the turning fork prongrotates. Alternatively, shoulder 75 is an additional sleeve component,positioned between the valve and the turning fork (or other type ofrotating member as the fork configuration is non-limiting). Shoulder 75can be of various shapes and geometries, e.g., semi-circular with aconcave region 76. It must be of proper dimension to fit within sleeve20. In some embodiments, rotating member 58 matably inserts through anopening in shoulder 75, so that the shoulder rotates as the rotatingmember rotates. The profile of the prong matches the inner dimension ofthe opening of the shoulder and creates a snug fit sufficient to rotateshoulder 75 as the prong rotates. The rotation of shoulder 75 acts likea blunt object urging particulate additive falling into the sleeve todistribute itself unevenly on the top surface of valve 65, with moreparticulate additive falling to one half of the top surface of valve 65than to the other half. In this fashion, a greater volume of particulateadditive exists on top of the valve surface in closer proximity to notch68 of valve 65.

As an example of the broad scope of current teachings, in yet otherembodiments shoulder 75 can be stationary. This might occur as by theprong fitting through the opening of shoulder 75, wherein such openinghas an inner dimension (e.g., diameter) so large that the outer profileof the prong never engages with, nor is restricted from rotating by, theinner dimensional surface of such opening. As desired, an interferencefit can be achieved between shoulder 75 and the inner surface of sleeve20 to further restrict movement of shoulder 75 relative to sleeve 20,while allowing only valve 65 to rotate in response to rotation of theprong. Such an interference fit can be through any of a number of knowntechniques, e.g., ridges on the outer surface of shoulder 75 that fitsnugly within grooves formed in the inner surface of sleeve 20.

In some embodiments, one or more of the individual components shown inFIG. 5A are formed integrally as a single piece. Alternatively, they areseparate so they can be easily removed. An advantage to separatecomponents is that one valve can be removed from the sleeve very quicklyand easily, and another inserted in its place. Valve removal involveswithdrawing the turning fork and taking shoulder 75 from sleeve 20,which can but need not be fixed or permanently attached within thesleeve. Once shoulder 75 is removed, valve 65 is accessed easily forremoval. Likewise, advantages are realized by such easy removal, in thata different valve configuration can be inserted.

In this regard, FIG. 5B shows an alternative valve design with a simplevariation. Instead of a single notch, FIG. 5B shows two notches, 68 and68′, respectively. By comparison, the valve shown in FIG. 5B would usherparticulate additives into the primary airflow at twice the rate as asingle-notch valve, because there would be twice as many instances wherethe notch aligns with the secondary airflow that enters the sleevethrough the secondary air line via the sleeve inlet. Many otherconfigurations of the valve are possible, and except as specificallyrecited in a claim, the current embodiments are not limited by thenumber of notches formed in the valve, the shape, or the dimension ofthe valve. In general, valve 65 must fit inside sleeve 20 and it isbeneficial for the valve shape to substantially (though not completelydue to one or more notches) correspond to the inner diameter of thesleeve.

Components of applicator 5 can be formed from various materials asselected by a user. In some embodiments, primary air line 28, andjunction connector 40 including delivery tube 22 are formed from metal.Likewise, hopper 52 and control cabinet 45 where the controls stage maybe positioned are also formed of durable materials like metal or highdensity plastic. Optionally, secondary air line 30 is formed ofconventional plastic or a suitable grade polymer, but metal or othermaterials can be selected as well. In some embodiments, junctionconnector 40 and delivery tube 22 are formed integrally and may includeprimary air line 28 as an integral structure. Alternatively, primary airline 28 is separate and joined to junction connector 40 with knownconnectors as are known in the art. Junction connector 40 can take otherforms and exist in different configurations besides what is illustratedin the drawings. In some embodiments, junction connector 40 includes asleeve configured to be positioned between the delivery tube portion ofjunction connector 40 and the hopper. Thus, it is an option though not arequirement for junction connector 40, delivery tube 22, and sleeve 20(the latter positioned in a neck region 38 of junction connector 40) tobe formed integrally. Any distinction between components formedintegrally as opposed to separate components attached with connectors isnot meant to be limiting.

Turning now to another aspect of applicator 5, in some embodiments,receptacle 109 comprises a base section (“receptacle base”) 119 as seenin FIGS. 6, 7 among others, which is attached to and in communicationwith delivery tube 22 as described above. A disc 105 fits insidereceptacle base 119 and controls the passage or restriction ofparticulate additives from hopper 52 to delivery tube 22. Receptacle 109further includes a receptacle basin 116 that receives particulate fromhopper 52, in which this receptacle basin is the portion of thereceptacle that fits into an opening in hopper 52. In some embodiments,this receptacle basin 116 comprises side walls and a bottom surface 104which includes opening 102 through which particulate material passes.

Embodiments further include a particulate guide 110 as shown in FIG. 9which has at one end a threaded region with threads 112 that mate with amotor-driven gear 64 referenced in connection with FIG. 5A. Particulateguide 110 fits snugly into mateable opening 115 formed in disc 105 sothat gear 64 transmits a turning force upon particulate guide 110causing it to rotate, and which also results in causing disc 105 to turnat the same rate and frequency of rotation.

Receptacle 109 further comprises a section as shown in FIGS. 6, 10A, and10B among others. In some embodiments, this is a top section which takesthe form of receptacle basin 116, which is fitted over and connected toreceptacle base 119. It will be appreciated that sections 116, 119 canbe formed integrally with each other and with delivery tube 22, or thesesections may be formed as separate units and connected. Whether thesepieces are formed separately or integrally, the aforementionedparticulate guide 110 fits through hole 106 formed in a bottom surface104 of receptacle basin 116, and it also fits through hole 103 formed inreceptacle base 119.

FIGS. 6, 7, 10A, and 10B further illustrate that receptacle basin 116has an opening 102 for particulate aligned with an opening 101 inreceptacle base 119 to receive particulate such that particulate willmove through these aligned openings. Generally, openings 101, 102 arealigned relative to one another forming a fluid path for particulates topass under suction, moving from receptacle basin 116, through receptaclebase 119, and into delivery tube 22. However, as disc 105 (locatedbetween receptacle basin 116 and receptacle base 119) rotates, at timeswhen solid surfaces of disc 105 block the aligned openings 101, 102, itprevents any particulate from passing through to delivery tube 22.Conversely, disc 105 also is configured with cutouts 107 whichperiodically move into position between the aligned openings 101, 102 inreceptacle base 119 and receptacle basin 116 where the particulatecongregates.

In this way, disc 105 serves as a binary means of permitting orrestricting passage of particulate. When the disc's cutouts 107 arealigned with openings 101, 102, the forces acting on the particulate atthe bottom surface 104 of receptacle basin 116 draw the particulatethrough openings 101, 102. But when cutouts 107 are not aligned withthese openings, no particulate passes as the solid surface of the discprevents passage. Thus, the rate of turning of disc 105 as well as thenumber of cutouts 107 formed in disc 105 will influence the rate atwhich particulate moves through the aligned openings 101, 102 and passinto delivery tube 22.

The forces acting on the particulate may include gravity, if hopper 52is situated higher than delivery tube 22, as well as suction coming fromdelivery tube 22 which is in communication with receptacle 109 viaopenings 101, 102. As desired, other mechanical or pneumatic forces canbe provided to urge particulate from basin 116 to delivery tube 22 bymovement through aligned openings 101, 102 as influenced by the binaryrotation of disc 105 (binary in the sense that either the cutouts arealigned with opening 101, 102 or the solid surface of disc 105 are soaligned).

With more reference to the drawing figures, FIG. 6 shows only oneconduit of airflow, unlike embodiments depicted by FIG. 2A whichillustrated both primary and secondary airflow. Rather than secondaryairflow, with embodiments in accordance with FIGS. 6-10B, gravity andsuction move the particulate from hopper 52 into receptacle basin 116 asthe particulate passes through receptacle 109, ultimately moving throughreceptacle base 119 that is in communication with delivery tube 22 andinto the airflow provided through that tube. Once in the airflow ofdelivery tube 22, particulate is forcibly ejected from delivery tube 22via delivery tube outlet 25. Upon being ejected, particulate contactsbulk commodities such as pet food traveling past applicator 5, forexample on a conveyor. Upon exiting delivery tube 22, the particulatesmay form a cloud-like mass over the passing commodity, resulting in theparticulates contacting the solid surfaces of the commodity such as petfood or other bulk goods. Embodiments are not limited to any particularangle of delivery tube 22 to a conveyor or other means of transport (notshown) of commodity products passing in proximity. Delivery tube may beoriented parallel to the conveyor surface, above or over, and thetrajectory of the particulates emitted via delivery tube outlet 25 canbe varied based on delivery tube positioning and settings for fan speedand frequency of turning of the particulate guide 110. Herein, the terms“particulate” and “particulates” are used interchangeably, and theseterms include what has been referred to as “particulate additives.”

As shown in FIG. 2, primary airline 28 is denoted by directional blockarrow 8, and for purposes of FIGS. 6-10B this is referred to, simply, asairflow conduit 28 because there is not a source of secondary airflowfor these figures. The conduit may be formed in a single piece or inmultiple pieces connected with one or more joints 26. In someembodiments, airflow conduit 28 contains a constricted region 29. Asknown to persons having skill in the art, such a configuration resultsin a Venturi effect to increase the velocity not only of the airflowthrough delivery tube 22, thus increasing the force urging theparticulate additives out of the delivery tube via delivery tube outlet25, put also increasing suction that pulls particulate through holes101, 102 when they are aligned with the cutouts of the disc.

FIG. 6 further shows a cut out section in hopper 52 denoted by region“R”. Portions of what is seen through this cut out in region “R” arebest seen in FIGS. 9, 10A, and 10B. These portions include receptaclebasin 116 which fits through an opening in hopper 52 and is positionedto receive particulate from the hopper. As desired, a sensor hopper canbe utilized to maintain the amount of particulates in the hopper, aspreviously noted. As particulate guide 110 rotates, particulatescongregate near a bottom surface 104 of receptacle basin 116. Some ofthe particulates are ushered into opening 101 by protrusions 120, 120′flaring outward from particulate guide 110 in accordance with theconfiguration seen in FIG. 9. In the figures, hopper opening is notvisible but an opening at the bottom of a hopper for storingparticulates or other materials is known in the art and is a commonmeans of allowing the materials to exit under gravity. It is throughthis opening that receptacle 109 fits snugly. At a minimum this would beto maintain fluid contact between the contents of hopper 52 andreceptacle basin 116, and ideally such contact would be sufficientlyheld to prevent particulate from escaping as it passes from this hopperinto this receptacle basin. As desired, seals and gaskets (not shown)can be used to maintain contact between hopper 52 and receptacle 109,the latter serving as the point of entry via aligned holes 101, 102 forparticulates into the delivery tube 22.

FIG. 6 further shows, situated above hopper 52, control cabinet 45having many of the same features as described in connection with FIG.2A. For example, a cabinet door 46 provides access from the front of thecabinet with a user interface 55 providing adjustable settings for thesystem. As with FIG. 2A, fan 42 is connected to air conduit 48 thatpulls air from the surrounding environment, and forces this air intoairflow conduit 28 providing a flow of air through the conduit denotedby block arrow 8. Conventional electronics control system componentssuch as fan 42, airflow denoted by block arrow 8, and a pressuretransducer for monitoring and controlling pressure through the conduit.

Generally, FIGS. 7, 8A, and 8B illustrate the lower section ofreceptacle 109 that immediately connects to delivery tube 22. It isthrough this lower section (or, second section) of receptacle base 119that particulate passes on its way to delivery tube 22 under the forceof suction from airflow through delivery tube 22. FIG. 7 is a top downillustration of receptacle base 119 of receptacle 109 situated atop andotherwise in communication with delivery tube 22, for example by anopening in delivery tube 22 that aligns with opening 101 of receptaclebasin 119. Such an opening in delivery tube 22 would be similar tohollow portion 21 of sleeve 20 discussed with FIG. 5A in connection inconnection with the primary/secondary air flow aspects of the currentembodiments.

Also in these figures, it will be seen that receptacle 109 compriseshole 103 for particulate guide 110 which is used in ushering particulateinto position of opening 101 in proximity to delivery tube 22. Aspreviously noted, opening 102 aligns with opening 102 of basin 116. FIG.7 also shows receptacle base 119 comprising base perimeter 111 that willline up with receptacle perimeter 117 of receptacle basin 116, making uptwo attachable sections of receptacle 109 in an embodiment. As desired,these sections are bolted as FIG. 7 illustrates, with optional threadedbase openings 114 used in making this mechanical connection. Preferably,when connected receptacle base 119 and receptacle basin 116 form goodcontact so that suction derived from flow of air in delivery tube 22 ismaintained at sufficient levels to draw particulate through alignedopenings 101, 102 whenever cutouts 107 of disc 105 lineup between thosetwo openings as disc 105 turns in response to the movement ofparticulate guide 110.

FIG. 8A offers a perspective view of disc 105 in isolation with 8cutouts 107 about its periphery. While shown around the periphery in thedrawings, these cutouts can be formed on the interior of the disc aswell, depending on the location of the aligned holes 101, 102. Forconvenience, only one of the cutouts is numbered. FIG. 8 also showsmateable opening 115, of which one function is to receive an end ofparticulate guide 110. As will be seen in discussion of other figures,e.g., FIG. 9 and FIG. 10B, in some embodiments the end of particulateguide 110 is configured with threads 112 that feed into a gear 64 so asparticulate guide 110 moves within the disc's mateable opening 115, italso causes the disc to rotate. Accordingly, mateable opening 115 issized and shaped for a snug fit with particulate guide 110.

FIG. 8B is a plan view of receptacle base 119 with disc 105 fitted intoposition. The 8 cutouts 107 are seen here, but it will be appreciatedthat any number of cutouts is suitable for use with the currentembodiments described herein. The cutouts 107 are illustrated assemi-ovals, but other shapes are within the scope of embodiments, suchas semi-circular, circular, square cuts, rectangular, triangular, andhexagonal, to name some. FIG. 8B illustrates mateable opening 115 asdiscussed in connection with FIG. 8A, as well as base perimeter 111 andthreaded base openings 114 that are involved in connecting receptaclebase 119 to receptacle basin 116 as two sections of receptacle 109.However, it will be appreciated that while this is shown in multipleparts, receptacle 109 can be formed as integral pieces instead ofseparate ones. Even so, an advantage of having it in multiple parts iseasy removal of disc 105 so that different disc can be switched andused.

FIGS. 9, 10A, and 10B illustrate the section of receptacle 109 moreproximal to the hopper, which also can be referred to as a firstsection. A receptacle basin 116 is include with this section, into whicha particulate guide 110 will be inserted. As shown in FIG. 9, in someembodiments particulate guide 110 is shaped as an upside down “T” withthreads 112 at one end that can mate with the gear 64 for turning ofparticulate guide 110 in response to the rotation of the gear. In someembodiments, an end of threads 112 is inserted through hole 106 of thereceptacle basin 116, and in like fashion through hole 103 as describedbefore for the receptacle base 119. As previously discussed, it is thesethreads 112 that matably insert into gear 64 (previously discussed) sothat, as this gear turns particulate guide 110, it also causes disc 105to turn due to the snug fit between disc 105 and particulate guide 110found at this mateable opening 115. In this way, particulate guide 110rotates about a central axis 124, with its protrusions denoted by 120,120′ in FIG. 9 flared outward from its sides. FIG. 10A is a plan view ofreceptacle basin 116, with various features illustrated. It will beappreciated that as particulate guide 110 rotates inside of receptaclebasin 116, its own rotational movement and the action of protrusions120, 120′ cause any particulate that falls into this open receptacle toalso move circularly along bottom surface 104 of the basin, occasionallycoming in contact with opening 102 (being aligned with opening 101 shownin FIG. 7.)

As shown in FIG. 10B, in some embodiments receptacle basin 116 furthercomprises a receptacle perimeter 117 that contains bolt openings 118 forreceiving bolts to snuggly secure the two sections of receptacle 109. Ina preferred configuration, the respective perimeters of receptacle base119 and receptacle basin 116 align in such a way as to ensure thatopenings 101, 102 of the base and the basin also align.

FIG. 10B illustrates many of the same structures as previous figures, asa top elevation view showing a receptacle basin 116 section ofreceptacle 109. Particulate guide 110 is seen in position to rotatewithin this basin, and hole 106 for the particulate guide 110 ispartially visible albeit partially obscured by an end of particulateguide 110 that fits through this hole. In this way, particulatesdropping from hopper 52 into receptacle 109 will congregate on bottomsurface 104 of receptacle basin 116 and the rotating action ofparticulate guide 110 causes the protruding edges 120, 120′ of theparticulate guide that flare outward to urge to particulate into opening102. In those cases where a multi-part receptacle 109 is used,receptacle perimeter 117 and bolt openings 118 will accommodateinsertion of bolts to attach the two main pieces. It will be appreciatedthat other means can be used to attach the receptacle basin 116 to thereceptacle base 119, such as clamps, snaps, clasps, or any other meansto retain basin 116 and receptacle base 119 in their alignment andpreserve the suction force emanating from delivery tube 22.

It will be understood that the embodiments described herein are notlimited in their application to the details of the teachings anddescriptions set forth, or as illustrated in the accompanying figures.Rather, it will be understood that the present embodiments andalternatives, as described and claimed herein, are capable of beingpracticed or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understoodthat words and phrases used herein are for the purpose of descriptionand should not be regarded as limiting. The use herein of such words andphrases as “including,” “such as,” “comprising,” “e.g.,” “containing,”or “having” and variations of those words is meant to encompass theitems listed thereafter, and equivalents of those, as well as additionalitems.

Accordingly, the foregoing descriptions of embodiments and alternativesare meant to illustrate, rather than to serve as limits on the scope ofwhat has been disclosed herein. The descriptions herein are not meant tolimit the understanding of the embodiments to the precise formsdisclosed. It will be understood by those having ordinary skill in theart that modifications and variations of these embodiments arereasonably possible in light of the above teachings and descriptions.

What is claimed is:
 1. An applicator for moving particulates,comprising: a receptacle that receives the particulates and is arrangedin communication with a delivery tube; wherein the receptacle furthercomprises a first opening through which the particulates pass and asecond opening through which the particulates pass before entering thedelivery tube; a valve positioned between the first opening and thesecond opening, the valve comprising a rotating disc having a surfacewith at least one cutout; wherein said first opening and said secondopening are aligned to form a path for the particulates to pass from thereceptacle into the delivery tube when at least a portion of the atleast one cutout of the rotating disc is aligned with the first openingand the second opening, but to restrict passage of the particulates whenno portion of the at least one cutout of the rotating disc is alignedwith the first opening and the second opening.
 2. The applicator ofclaim 1, further comprising a particulate guide and wherein the rotatingdisc further comprises a mateable opening to receive a portion of theparticulate guide wherein the rotating disc is urged to rotate as theparticulate guide rotates.
 3. The applicator of claim 2, wherein theparticulate guide contacts particulates as the particulate guide rotateswithin the receptacle.
 4. The applicator of claim 1, wherein therotating disc comprises a plurality of cutouts.
 5. The applicator ofclaim 4, wherein the cutouts are positioned at a peripheral edge of therotating disc.
 6. The applicator of claim 1, further comprising a sleevebetween the receptacle and the delivery tube and the sleeve beingconfigured to hold the valve.